state of grace
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. (Christian theology) A condition of being sanctified by God; a condition of being under divine favor and influence, free from sin. This term describes a spiritual condition where a person is reconciled with God, having received forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
Examples of Usage
- According to Christian doctrine, baptism brings a person into a state of grace.
- She lived her life striving to remain in a state of grace.
- The sacrament is intended to restore the penitent to a state of grace.
Advanced Usage
- "To be in a state of grace": This is the most common phrase, meaning to currently exist in this condition of divine favor and sanctification.
- Before receiving communion, one must ensure they are in a state of grace.
- "To fall from a state of grace": To lose this condition, typically through committing a serious sin.
- The theologian wrote about the danger of falling from a state of grace through deliberate action.
- "To die in a state of grace": A concept important in some Christian traditions, meaning to be in this sanctified condition at the moment of death, which is believed to be necessary for salvation.
- The priest prayed that the sick man would die in a state of grace.
Variants and Related Words
- Grace (n): The unmerited favor and love of God. "State of grace" is a specific condition resulting from this favor.
- Sanctifying Grace (n): The grace that establishes the "state of grace" within the soul, according to Catholic theology.
- Justification (n): In Protestant theology, the act by which God declares a sinner righteous, closely related to the concept of being in a state of grace.
Synonyms
- Sanctification
- Justification (in some theological contexts)
- Divine favor
- Communion with God
Related Phrases
- State of mortal sin: The opposite condition, being alienated from God's grace due to grave sin.
- In fellowship with God: A phrase with a similar meaning, emphasizing relationship over legal state.
Noun
- (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
- the conception of grace developed alongside the conception of sin
- it was debated whether saving grace could be obtained outside the membership of the church
- the Virgin lived in a state of grace